Reviews: Whistler XTR-540

Cordless operation and go-anywhere convenience

by Craig Peterson
Last update 6/1/2011

The convenience of cordless operation is an important part of the allure of the Whistler XTR-540 battery-powered radar detector.

A radar detector-savvy bystander stopped to admire the new Jaguar XK convertible test car I was parking and when I'd climbed out, commented about the battery-powered Whistler XTR-540 radar detector on the windshield. In a 90-grand car, he queried, why wasn't I packing a Valentine One or an Escort Passport 9500ix with GPS, or some other high-end radar detector?

Fair question—and easily answered. Although it's a long stretch, a power cord can be routed from a detector on the Jag's windshield to the console's power point. But then it interferes with the air vents and dangles squarely in front of the big touch-screen LCD display. And like a lot of high-end cars today, all of the Jaguar XK's major systems are controlled by that touch screen, everything from the seat heaters to the satnav and audio systems. With frequent interaction required, the last distraction I needed was a heavy, coiled power cord swaying back and forth, interfering with my access to the screen.

As an auto writer I drive dozens of new vehicles each year and find many to be decidedly radar detector-unfriendly. Some have enormous, sharply raked windshields that place a low-mounted detector nearly out of reach, hardly the ultimate in ergonomic mounting locations. Others have electrical power points apparently included as an afterthought. I've seen some located in the bottom of the center console and all the way back, allowing rear-seat passengers easy access but making them useless for anyone else. This is why I frequently use a cordless detector and usually take one along when traveling.

The convenience of cordless operation is the biggest selling point for a battery-powered radar detector—and the reason this Jaguar's windshield sported the Whistler XTR-540.

In appearance the $120 (typical retail price) Whistler XTR-540 is very similar to the Whistler XTR-690SE, XTR-695SE or Whistler Pro 78SE, the company's range-topping models. And like its siblings, the Whistler XTR-540 appears to be tailored for the enthusiast driver. For example, the top of its black case is mercifully devoid of brightwork—none of the chromed buttons and trim lavished on too many radar detectors.

Why is this a big deal? Simple: any light-colored surface casts a mirror image of itself onto the windshield—and you'll be staring at it all day long. Chromed accents make for an eye-catching presentation in the store, but they generate a dazzling glare once on the dash. [Curious: view a photo of this type of distraction.]

The Whistler XTR-540 runs on three AA rechargeable Ni-MH (nickel metal-hybride) batteries. An auto shut-off feature kills the power after a user-adjustable delay, meaning you won't come back to the car and find the detector down for the count. It will also operate with the included power cord which, once attached, also recharges the batteries. In contrast, the only other cordless radar detector, the $340 Escort Passport Solo S3, uses two AA alkaline batteries that can't be recharged.

Visual alerts are conveyed by a blue-backlit LCD text display whose backlighting is adjustable to a variety of configurations. For example, it can be set to appear briefly during alerts and mode changes and remain off the rest of the time to save battery power. Or it's adjustable to a dim continuous setting, going full-bright during alerts, with several other combinations possible.

A menu of preferences allows the user to tailor operation to personal preference. Three different sets of audible alerts are available, and for bass-heads with megawatt stereos, visual alerts can be bolstered by a pair of laser-bright alert LEDs that are tough to miss, even in bright sunlight.

Any radar band or laser detection can be deactivated through the menu. For all but those who drive in Ohio or New Jersey—the only states where X-band radar continues to be found in any number—shutting off X band creates a much more peaceful driving experience. (Many automatic door openers use X-band radar, creating a major source of urban false alarms.)

Unique to this model of cordless radar detector, the Whistler XTR-540 offers two filter modes to limit false alarms. These progressively increase its resistance to common sources of falses, particularly the poorly shielded local oscillators of older Cobra radar detectors, which seem to be everywhere.

I experimented with these menu choices and settled on filter 2 with X band disabled. Doing so created a commendably quiet radar detector with comparatively few false alarms, particularly in town.

Radar detection range is good for a cordless model, and battery life proved sufficient for several days of driving. I found the Whistler XTR-540 to be the front-running cordless model at its price point and well worth a close look by those shopping for the convenience of a battery-powered radar detector.

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